QBA to extend support to Kenyan trade

DOHA: Members of the elite Qatar Businessmen’s Association (QBA) yesterday expressed their readiness to cooperate with their Kenyan counterparts, and open channels of communication to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, second deputy chairman of the QBA hosted a dinner at his Majlis to honour the visiting President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and his accompanying official and business delegation, in the presence of H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage.

Sheikh Faisal said: “Trade relations between Qatar and Kenya are historical,” stating that the association (QBA) and the Qatari businessmen are ready to facilitate and support all countries wishing to enter the Qatari market as well as discovering business opportunities available in Kenya.

He also stressed on the importance of supporting the first Qatari investor or Qatari project in Kenya, and facilitate the legal procedures, as this will set an example for companies and businessmen wishing to invest in Kenya, and it can also be used as a marketing tool to highlight the positive economic and investment environment in the African country, and the investment opportunities available there.

The Kenyan President expressed his pleasure to meet the Qatari businessmen, saying that his visit was fruitful on both the official and the business level.

He stressed that his country is open to Qatar and all Arab countries. And with regards to the relations between the two countries, the President said that the economic relations between the two countries witnessed a significant improvement recently as a result of signing of a number of bilateral agreements, and noted that Kenyan businessmen welcome all Qatari investments in various sectors of the economy such as tourism, services or industry. He said that Kenya is seeking, through the good investment climate to attract foreign investments to provide more employment opportunities. Kenyatta also demonstrated the investment incentives that the Kenyan market offers for foreign investors. It is important to note that Kenya is considered one of the ideal destinations for doing business due to the various opportunities and strong infrastructure it has. The country is strategically located, making it a gateway to eastern and central Africa.

The modern sea port of Mombasa serves the landlocked countries and boasts of super links to major sea ports in Europe, and other parts of the world.

At the end Kenyatta expressed his gratitude to QBA for the warm welcome, and invited the businessmen to visit Kenya to explore business opportunities.